Elevated vs. Raised: Which Garden Bed is Best for You?

Whether you’re just starting out as a gardener or looking into garden beds for your space, you might be wondering which type of bed is best for your needs: elevated or raised? While they may seem similar at first, each offers distinct advantages depending on the gardener’s needs. Both options have their perks and drawbacks. Let’s break it down, folks!

The Pros of Elevated Garden Beds

Accessibility

Simply put, elevated garden beds are designed for planting on a surface above ground. They typically have a raised platform supported by legs or an elevated base, creating a waist-high gardening space. Elevated beds range from simple wooden frames to more elaborate structures made of wood, metal or resin. They are easily to move around, and can also fit conveniently into patios, decks or indoors. 

Imagine you’re a gardener with mobility issues. Elevated beds bring your plants to waist height for added visibilty, making it much easier for you to tend to your garden without stooping or bending your back. This convenient feature makes gardening more enjoyable for seniors and those with disabilities. 

Pest Protection

Now that you have an elevated garden above ground level, this also creates an effective barrier against garden pests like snails and slugs. You can consider enhancing this protection with covers, ensuring your plants can thrive safely and in optimal health. 

Improved Drainage

The elevated structure of these beds enables excess water to drain away efficiently and reduces the risk of overwatering or root rot. This can be beneficial in settings where compacted soil can pose challenges for plant growth. In particular, for plants that thrive in well-drained conditions, elevated beds are the ideal choice. 

Cons

Limited Soil Depth

If you prefer to grow deep-rooted vegetables like carrots, using an elevated bed might not provide the soil depth needed for their roots to thrive.

Their elevated structure can sometimes expose plants to harsher weather conditions, such as strong winds. You might need additional support or careful placement to shield plants from the elements. Meanwhile, due to their materials or design involved, elevated garden beds can be more expensive to purchase or build. 

Advantages of Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are essentially raised planting areas with walls or barriers that contain soil above ground. They are made of various materials ranging from wood to metal, offering versatility in aesthetics and design. 

Tailoring to your plants' needs, you can fill raised beds with high-quality soil. For those dealing with contaminated soil, raised garden beds also provide a nutrient-rich and clean environment for healthy growth.

Versatile Garden Design 

If you have a more unique garden layout or limited space to work with, raised beds can be customized in size and shape to fit your landscape. Whether it’s a small balcony or full-sized garden, raised beds can fit in and look great too. 

Extended Growing Season

As they warm up faster in the spring, raised beds allow you to start planting earlier and extend your growing season into the fall. This can be a true game-changer for gardeners looking to maximize their harvest.

Disadvantages

Installation Effort

If you're building a raised bed from scratch whether with wood or stone, setting up one can require quite a bit of DIY work. This might not be the ideal option if you prefer a quick and easy setup.

While incorporating raised beds may save you some cash, having to fill large beds with quality soil can quickly add up. So remember to budget for soil amendments, compost, add-ons, and other additional factors. 

Frequent Watering 

Due to their structure, raised garden beds tend to dry out faster than gardens at ground level, meaning you might need to water more frequently, especially during the hotter summer months.

 

Which One’s Best for You?

If you’re someone with mobility issues,  I would recommend going for an elevated bed to get easier access. That said, both garden bed options work well in urban settings, while elevated beds are especially advantageous for small gardens or those with poor soil.

Meanwhile, if you’re on a tighter budget, raised beds might be the way to go, taking into account the long-term maintenance costs. Both options have unique benefits that cater to different gardening needs, and ultimately the decision comes down to your preferences, specific needs, and gardening goals. Before making your choice, take some time to consider factors like budget, accessibility, and climate conditions when choosing your garden bed, and you’ll be primed for planting success!